Twenty Years Ago
Jerry Levine installed a surface-mounted patio door lock by Major Mfg. called the Octopod. Louis George suggested various specialty locks for solving unusual security situations. Jerry Levine reported on an access control system from Access Technology. Where are they now? T.C. Mickley provided information on Trilogy locks by Alarm Lock. Richard Formica serviced the auto locks found on Contour and Mystique vehicles. Robert Cook, Securitron Magnalock Corp., explained how magnetic locks are tested by UL. Dan Nicholson, Folger Adam Co., offered technical information for the 600 series Folger Adam electric strike. David Steele described the features of Sargent's Signature high security lock cylinder. Edward Hite answered reader questions about electronic lock installation problems. Aaron Fish, Chairman, Ilco Unican, continued his article on the events which have changed the locksmith industry. Very interesting reading. Jerry Levine wrote a sample acknowledgement letter which can be copied for personal use. Richard Formica set up a small residential master key system for roommate renters. Locksmith ledger reported on a business management meeting held by Clark Security. Milt Wolferseder serviced an AMSEC BCB series safe.
Ten Years Ago
An installation of an Alarm Lock PL3000 was featured. Doug Hoffman, Perseus Wireless, described how simple it is to install and monitor a Perseus video system. Tim O'Leary offered instructions on installing a wire transfer system. Tim O'Leary also showed how to use an Altronix timer module when required for an access control system. Jerry Levine tested a SABL pushbutton lock by Securitron. Tom Gillespie suggested selling decorative hardware for added profit. Jerry Levine showed how to disassemble and service some intricate Weiser knobsets. Steve Hunt, president of 4A international, described the future of locksmithing. His forecast was exactly right. Gale Johnson installed a Strikemaster II jamb reinforcer on a door and door jamb at his own home. That reinforcer is still protecting the premises today. Jerry Levine tested a few GM VATS bypass adaptor products. Donald Dennis demonstrated some tools made by Petersen Mfg. for extracting broken keys. Tiny fit keys to two motorcycles: a 2002 Buell and a 2004 Harley Sportster. While these cycles are from the same Harley-Davidson group , the type of locks used have no similarities. Steve Kaufman offered some opinions about working together for the good the industry.
Memoirs of Laurie Simon
Laurence (Laurie) Simon has been part of the fabric of locksmithing for over 60 years. The Beer City Chapter of The Institutional Locksmiths Association (ILA) in Milwaukee recently presented an evening with Laurie Simon.
The Simon family began their locksmith business on the South side of Chicago, so many of the events described by Laurie centered on the sales and servicing of hardware for the Playboy Club, Sears Tower, and other Chicago landmarks. Many of the tools we take for granted today were not available 50 or 60 years ago. As a result, the Simon family invented key machines, door closer servicing tools and several electronic security items unheard of at the time.
Much of what Laurie Simon presented can be found at: wwww.simon-says.net, but you will be missing the anecdotes which made his presentation come alive. Thanks to Laurie Simon for a very memorable evening.
